DWI Lawyer in Brentwood, MO
DWI Lawyer in Brentwood, MO. Getting pulled over and accused of driving while intoxicated is likely one of the worst fears a Brentwood, MO-area driver can have. Not only will you be stripped of your driving privileges for a minimum of 60 days, you will have to pay a substantial fine, face increased insurance premiums, and have points on your license for years to come. Even worse, your reputation in the Brentwood, MO community or your workplace could take a substantial hit, and your ability to potentially travel out of the United States could be limited, as countries such as Canada prohibit travelers with DWI convictions on their record from entering.
If you find yourself in the challenging situation of facing DWI charges after being pulled over in the Brentwood, MO area, it’s critical to enlist the support of an experienced DWI lawyer in Brentwood. Waste no time; call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form to initiate the process of crafting a robust defense for your case. Take advantage of our attorneys’ expertise through a free, no-strings-attached consultation to discuss the details of your situation and your next steps.
Have You Been Pulled Over Anywhere in the Brentwood, MO Area?
Having a tenacious and effective DWI lawyer on your Brentwood, MO case can be the pivotal factor between accepting a DWI conviction with severe repercussions and achieving a more favorable outcome such as reduced or even dismissed charges. At Combs Waterkotte, our knowledgeable Brentwood, MO DWI attorneys are dedicated advocates for all our Brentwood, MO area DWI clients. Whether this is your first encounter with law enforcement or if you are dealing with DWI charges again, our firm is committed to providing your Brentwood, MO DWI case with the attention it deserves. We devise a legal strategy tailored specifically to securing the best possible results for you.
Our unparalleled track record of success in defending Brentwood residents accused of DWI speaks volumes, and our dedication extends to ensuring complete client satisfaction in every facet of our service. After you have been arrested for DWI in or anywhere near Brentwood, MO, make (314) 900-HELP your first call. Initial case reviews are always free, and Combs Waterkotte will work with you regardless of any financial difficulties you might have to help you beat your Brentwood, MO DWI charges.
What Should I Do After I’m Pulled Over For DWI?
After being pulled over by a police officer suspecting impairment due to alcohol or drugs in the Brentwood, MO area, it’s natural to be nervous. Any encounter with law enforcement for a moving violation can trigger a “fight or flight” response, and this is only increased when you’re accused of impaired driving. With extensive experience handling numerous DWI cases in Brentwood, MO, our firm suggests the following course of action if you find yourself pulled over for DWI:
- Safely pull over. Ensure a safe pull-over by using your turn signal, choosing a well-lit location on the side of the road, and opting for a shoulder or nearby parking lot if available. Try to avoid parking on grass.
- Stay calm and cooperative. Maintain composure and cooperation during the encounter. Hostility can escalate the situation and lead to increased scrutiny. Politeness goes a long way when being stopped for DWI in the Brentwood, MO area.
- Avoid self-incrimination. Remember: you have the right to remain silent. Provide the officer your license and insurance/registration, but refrain from offering additional information. Law enforcement is seeking any reason to continue an investigation and arrest you, so it’s wise not to provide unnecessary data. You can always choose not to answer potentially incriminating questions, like “Have you been drinking?” by saying that you would rather not answer without legal advice.
- Do not take a portable breath test. Refrain from taking a portable breath test. While Missouri enforces implied consent laws that lead to a one-year license revocation for refusing a breathalyzer or blood test, this is applicable only after you are formally arrested for DWI. Portable breathalyzers are frequently deemed unreliable and are primarily used to establish probable cause for an arrest.
- If you are arrested, call a lawyer as soon as you can. Conversations with an attorney are completely confidential and privileged under Missouri law. Seeking guidance from an experienced Brentwood, MO DWI lawyer about whether you should take a breath test at the station, addressing any issues that arose in the stop, or other questions you might have can make the difference between losing the ability to drive for months and your case potentially being dismissed.
Being charged with driving under the influence carries severe legal repercussions in Brentwood, MO, encompassing fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, and the possibility of incarceration. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences is crucial, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney is ready to provide detailed insights and more during a free case review. DWI laws can differ across jurisdictions, even in smaller areas neighboring Brentwood, MO, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from an lawyer well-versed in the local legal landscape for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstancesDriving under the influence has serious legal repercussions in Brentwood, MO, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Knowing the potential outcomes is essential, and a Combs Waterkotte attorney will do that and more during a free case review. Laws regarding DWI vary by jurisdiction, even small areas surrounding Brentwood, MO, so it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws in your area for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.
Fighting Both Sides Of Your DWI Case in Brentwood, MO
DWI cases in Missouri have two components: the criminal aspect and the civil facet. The criminal punishments for DWI in Missouri, as you likely know, are serious. Even a first DWI offense could lead to the following repercussions under Missouri law, as it is categorized as a class B misdemeanor:
- 8 points on your driving record
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to a $500 fine
- A 90-day drivers’ license suspension, the last 60 of which can be restored to a restricted driving privilege (RDP) permit
- Required participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program known as Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program (SATOP)
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan, also known as a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or an SR-22
Our experienced Brentwood, MO legal team ensures that the citizens of Brentwood, MO receive the best possible legal presentation, no matter the circumstance. After all, good people often find themselves in dire situations. In addition to DWI defense in Brentwood, MO, our attorneys are experienced in many types of cases, like:
What Happens If This Isn’t My First DWI?
If this is your second DWI arrest in Brentwood, MO, be prepared for the prospect of dealing with class A misdemeanor charges, which include these punishments:
- No more than one year in jail (any jail sentence for a second DWI must include a minimum of 10 days of “shock time” in jail before possible suspension of sentence or probation)
- Maximum two years probation
- Fines of no more than $1,000
- The suspension of your driving privileges, which can be anywhere from one to five years
- You must install and maintain, at your own expense, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID). This keeps someone from starting a vehicle if their BAC is over a certain limit.
- Regular, verifiable BAC monitoring (either by regular breath tests or a wearable device)
- Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
- Required purchase of a high-risk auto insurance plan (SR-22)
The administrative facet in a Brentwood, MO DWI case has to do with your driving privileges, and how the Missouri Department of Revenue handles the revocation or suspension of your license. Most drivers in the Brentwood, MO area may not be aware that , as long as that appeal is filed within 15 days of your initial arrest in Brentwood, MO.
When you hire the DWI lawyers with experience in Brentwood, MO at Combs Waterkotte, rest assured that our firm will tackle both facets of your DWI case as soon as possible and work hard to minimize the effect a DWI arrest has on your life. We will compile evidence, scrutinize the details of your case, pinpoint potential discrepancies in the Brentwood police report or arrest, and develop a strategy that is built for success. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Contact A Brentwood, MO DWI Lawyer Who Wins | Combs Waterkotte
If you have recently faced arrest and DWI charges in Brentwood, MO, you likely understand the urgency surrounding your case. Swift action is crucial in securing a seasoned Brentwood, MO DWI lawyer to review documents, amass evidence, and build your case, the higher the likelihood that the repercussions of your DWI arrest in Brentwood will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated.
Combs Waterkotte has helped hundreds of Brentwood, MO-area residents from all walks of life take on DWI charges. Our firm blends top-notch legal expertise and assertive advocacy with a commitment to personal service and communication that is unmatched among DWI law firms near Brentwood, MO and throughout Missouri. Our DWI attorneys assure you that, regardless of the time, location, or circumstance, they will promptly answer your call to discuss your case or any other legal concerns. This is part of our commitment to complete client satisfaction, which our previous clients can attest to as well.
If you find yourself pulled over and facing DWI charges in the Brentwood, MO area, make (314) 900-HELP your first call to schedule a free initial case review and put the experienced Brentwood, MO DWI lawyers at Combs Waterkotte to work for you.